How to Make Your Balloons Shiny
There are many ways to make your balloons shiny and reflective, adding an extra touch of flair and elegance to any event or celebration. In this guide, we’ll go over two popular methods: using liquid solutions and aerosol sprays. Methods explained in this “How to Balloons Shiny Guide” will garner desirable results in making your balloons standout.
What you’ll need to shine balloons:
- Latex Balloons
- One of the balloon shining solutions below
- A drop cloth or large piece of plastic for overspray
What type of balloons can I use balloon shining products on?
Balloon shining sprays are designed to work with latex balloons only. Shining sprays are not recommended for foil, mylar or plastic balloons.
- Why? Latex balloons are the only type of balloon that oxidizes (which creates that matte, velvety look on balloons). Oxidation is the first step of the decomposition process for latex balloons. Shining your balloons postpones this process, keeping them shinier, longer.
Liquid or Aerosol?
There are a variety of liquid solutions available to choose from. Liquid solutions come in a plastic container with a sprayer. Each sprayer is slightly different depending on the brand of balloon shining solution you choose. The sprayer helps disperse the solution, similar to how a spray bottle sprays water. If the solution is not clear in the bottle (like Hi-Shine which is white and Balloon Glow Pro which is green) wait up to 20-30 minutes for the solution to spread across the balloon and turn clear.
With liquid solutions, you can usually spray a greater surface area of balloons. You need to pay attention to not spraying too much in one area, otherwise the balloon shining solution will drip and begin running down your balloon.
Aerosol Sprays
Aerosol sprays are available from both Balloon Glow and Mega Shine. Aerosol balloon shining sprays are dispersed similar to a spray paint can. Aerosol sprays provide a more even “misting” onto the balloons but usually do not cover as much surface area as liquid solutions.
We always recommend customers test out each option to see what their personal preference is.
- Step 1. Inflate the latex balloons to the desired size with helium (to float) or air (does not float).
- Step 2. In a well ventilated area, spray the solution approximately 18” away from the balloons.
- Tip: If you are too close, the solution will drip down the balloon. You want to lighting canvas the balloon with the spray solution.
- Step 3. Allow up to 30 minutes for the solution to spread across the balloons and begin creating that perfect shine!
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to make your balloons shiny and reflective using this guide. Both the liquid solution and aerosol spray methods are effective and can be done at home with minimal materials. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the steps listed on each bottle carefully.
